The National Institute of Health and Family Welfare (NIHFW) has announced the publication of the April–June 2026 volume of its flagship quarterly journal, Health and Population: Perspectives and Issues (HPPI). This release marks another step in the institute’s longstanding commitment to advancing evidence-based research in public health, population studies, and family welfare programmes across India.
NIHFW’s Role in Shaping Public Health Research
Established as an autonomous institute under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, NIHFW serves as the apex body for training, research, and policy support in health and family welfare. Located in New Delhi, the institute conducts postgraduate and short-term training programmes that directly contribute to capacity building in India’s higher education landscape for health sciences. Its research outputs, including the HPPI journal, provide critical platforms for scholars, faculty members, and practitioners to disseminate findings that inform national health policies.
Understanding the HPPI Journal
Health and Population: Perspectives and Issues (HPPI) is a peer-reviewed, open-access, UGC-CARE listed interdisciplinary journal published quarterly. It covers topics ranging from population dynamics and reproductive health to epidemiology, health systems strengthening, and family welfare interventions. The journal’s open-access model ensures that research remains freely available, aligning with broader efforts in Indian higher education to promote accessible scholarly communication.
The April–June 2026 Volume: Key Highlights
The newly released Volume 49, Number 2, continues the journal’s tradition of featuring rigorous studies and policy analyses. While specific article titles vary with each issue, recent volumes have addressed emerging challenges such as digital health integration, post-pandemic health system resilience, and regional disparities in access to care. The April–June edition builds on this foundation, offering fresh perspectives relevant to academics and administrators navigating India’s evolving public health priorities.
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Significance for Indian Higher Education and Research
In the context of India’s higher education sector, the HPPI journal plays a vital role in bridging institutional research with practical policy outcomes. Faculty and researchers at universities and medical colleges frequently contribute to and cite HPPI, strengthening the academic ecosystem. The journal’s UGC-CARE listing enhances its value for career advancement, promotions, and institutional rankings, encouraging more scholars to engage in high-quality, India-focused health research.
Transition to Fully Online Processes
NIHFW has modernised HPPI operations, moving all manuscript submissions, peer review, and access functions to its dedicated online platform. This shift improves efficiency for contributors across the country and supports the National Education Policy’s emphasis on technology-enabled learning and research dissemination. Researchers in remote institutions now enjoy seamless participation, broadening the diversity of voices in public health scholarship.
Broader Impact on Public Health Policy and Academia
Publications in HPPI directly influence programmes under the National Health Mission and related initiatives. Academic institutions use the journal’s findings to update curricula, design research projects, and train the next generation of public health professionals. The quarterly rhythm ensures timely dissemination of data that can shape responses to evolving health challenges, from non-communicable diseases to maternal and child health indicators.
Stakeholder Perspectives
University administrators view the journal as a valuable resource for demonstrating research impact. PhD scholars and early-career researchers appreciate the open-access format, which removes financial barriers to publication and readership. Policy makers at the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare regularly reference HPPI articles when formulating guidelines, creating a virtuous cycle between academia and governance.
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Future Outlook and Opportunities
With India’s higher education sector expanding rapidly in health and allied sciences, HPPI is positioned to grow in influence. Plans for enhanced digital features and potential special issues on emerging themes such as artificial intelligence in healthcare and climate-resilient health systems are under discussion. Continued support from NIHFW will help sustain the journal’s relevance amid increasing global interest in India’s public health model.
How Academics Can Engage
Researchers interested in contributing should visit the official HPPI website for submission guidelines. The fully online system streamlines the process from manuscript upload through to publication. Institutions can also explore partnerships with NIHFW for collaborative research projects that align with national health priorities, fostering stronger linkages between universities and the apex training institute.
